Karachi, March 25, 2013 (PPI-OT): The first phase of the 7th Toyota Dream Car Art Contest organized by Indus Motor Company concluded at a grand event here today. More than 300 schools from across Pakistan and participated in the contest, which was conducted from January to March, 2013.

The 7th Toyota Dream Car Art Contest will be culminated in a series of three regional events with the first being held in Karachi, followed by similar events in Lahore and Islamabad which will take place next month.

In all, ten thousand entries were received from all over the country, highlighting the enthusiasm of the children and their schools. Besides a large number of schools, special children from vocational schools also participated in the nationwide contest.

The three thousand entries received from Karachi schools were displayed at the event, showcasing the immense talent and imagination of the participating children.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Parvez Ghias, CEO, Indus Motor Company, said that the TOYOTA Dream Car Art Contest is a first of its kind activity in Pakistan, and added, “The idea behind this initiative is to provide an opportunity to children to express their dreams and use their imagination through art by drawing a ‘Future Dream Car’. We also want to engage them in the creative process of designing a car. Who knows, we may already have ‘Future Car Designers’ in the making.”

Mr. Jimmy Engineer, renowned painter and celebrated artist of Pakistan, was the chief guest at the event. The senior management of Indus Motor Company was also present on the occasion.

“I am very happy to know that an organization like Indus Motor Company has taken the initiative through the Toyota Dream Car Art Contest to promote art among the children of our country. What is more heartening to see is the participation of students with special needs,” said Mr. Jimmy Engineer.

Indus Motor Company has been organizing the Dream Car Art program in Pakistan for the last six years as part of the global Toyota initiative aimed at developing Toyota brand awareness, affinity and association among young people.

The contest in Karachi was judged by a panel of experts that included Faryal Sethi, Assistant Professor, of Fine Arts at Indus Valley School, Tehmina Khalid, Media and PR Professional and Arshad Karim, an upcoming artist.

Similar grand events will also be held in Lahore and Islamabad and a total of 15 entries will be selected as winners of the National Dream Car Contest, representing children under 10 years, 10 to 12 years and 13 to 15 years. The artworks will be sent to Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), Japan for inclusion in the World Art Contest that will take place later in the year in Japan.